News You Can Use
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Winter Pet Hazards
by Cheyenne Pratt , Veterinary Technician , Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
There ’ s a long list of common winter hazards that most pet owners are already familiar with ( hypothermia , toxic holiday food , antifreeze , ice melt , Christmas decor , plants , etc .) Below are some winter pet hazards that we don ’ t hear about as often . Hand warmers : These small pouches contain chemicals that react to oxygen when opened , making them heat up . If your pet ingests an unused hand warmer , it could cause thermal burns to the GI tract tissue , and possibly iron toxicity . The chemicals inside a used hand warmer generally do not cause any significant problems but your pet may experience GI upset . If your pet swallows a warming packet , it could cause a blockage that requires surgery . Keep them out of reach and be mindful when using them , so they don ' t fall out of your pockets . Fire starter logs : Made from compressed sawdust and wax that don ' t break down in the stomach , surgery may be required if a blockage occurs . Some contain heavy metals and are toxic to pets . If you have pet birds , fumes from the logs can be harmful to them . Rodenticides : This is actually a very common hazard , but it ’ s one we can ’ t mention enough . Rodent poison is high on the list of worst pet toxins . As temps drop , rodents seek shelter and food . This is why people often find rodents in their home during the winter . Most rodenticides are highly toxic and cause internal bleeding and organ damage . If you have pets , you should absolutely avoid using toxic rodenticides and only use pet safe options . Your pet could find the rodent bait , even if it ’ s hidden . If your pet ingests a poisoned rodent , they could suffer from secondary poisoning . Ice : Ice can be hazardous for multiple reasons . The skin on animals ' paw pads can get stuck on the ice and rip off as they walk . Booties or a pet-safe paw balm would help prevent this from happening . Ice can be as sharp as glass and cause cuts on the skin or even large lacerations . If your dog likes to chew on ice , they could possibly cut their mouth or esophagus . If your pet slips on the ice , they could fracture bones , tear ligaments , strain muscles , or rupture discs in their back . It ’ s best to avoid walking your dog in icy conditions but if you have to , take precaution and do not let them off-leash to run . Electric heating pads : It may seem like a good idea for keeping your pet warm on cold winter days , but heating pads can be dangerous . Pads not specifically made for pets can get too hot and cause your pet to overheat or possibly get burnt . The cord on a pad can cause serious injury if your pet bites into it or gets tangled in it .
Pawsitively Pets -- January
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News You Can Use
Recalls :
Blue Ridge Beef , Virginia : Recalling its Puppy Mix after some of its products tested positive for Salmonella . Lot numbers 08 / 06 / N25 and 08 / 16 / N25 . Info : 704-873-2072 . ( 12 / 2 / 24 )
Carolina Prime Pet , Inc ., North Carolina : Recalling 16-ounce bags of Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips treats for dogs - possible Salmonella contamination . Lot number 20051324L2 . Info : 828- 394-6460 . ( 11 / 25 / 24 )
Gaines Pet Treats LLC , Alabama : Recalling five ounce bags of Gaines Farmstead Chicken Chips treats for dogs - possible Salmonella contamination . Lot number 20061124 . Info : 205-607-0173 . ( 11 / 22 / 24 )
Answers Pet Food , Pennsylvania : Recalling certain lots of Answers Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs , Answers Straight Beef Formula for Dogs , and Answers Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs , after samples collected by the U . S . Food and Drug Administration were reported to have tested positive for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes . Info : 1-800-431-8480 . ( 9 / 22 / 24 )
Arrow Reliance Inc ., Washington : Recalling certain lots of Darwin ' s Natural Pet Products for Listeria and Salmonella contamination . Affected products include Natural Selections Antibiotic & Grain-Free Chicken Recipe for Dogs and Cats . 877-738-6325 . ( 9 / 20 / 24 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org
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